Abstract: Resins for use in making resin-coated granules are made by preparing a novolak resin from a phenol and formaldehyde in the presence of lactose and/or galactose, using an acid catalyst. Melt-coating the resin with an amine curing agent on to particulate refractory material gives resin-coated granules which can be moulded to make foundry moulds. The lactose and/or galactose can replace part of the phenol conventionally employed in preparing novolak resins and avoids the need for plasticizers.

Abstract: A male fertility-inhibiting composition in unit dosage form, contains as an active ingredient a 6-chlorodeoxy-saccharide containing a pyranose or furanose ring of the formula ##STR1## where A represents the remainder of the pyranose or furanose ring, and has the formula C.sub.4 H.sub.7 O.sub.4 X (where X represents a hydrogen atom or another pyranose or furanose ring) in association with a physiologically acceptable carrier or excipient. The saccharide preferably contains a pyranose ring or furanose ring of the formula ##STR2## Also a method of controlling fertility in men or male animals comprises administering thereto a 6-chlorodeoxy-saccharide as defined above.

Abstract: A novel cyclic acetal derivative of sucrose, 4,6-O-isopropylidenesucrose, is prepared by treating sucrose with 2,2-dimethoxypropane in N,N-dimethylformamide, in the presence of p-toluenesulphonic acid, suitably at room temperature. The product is conveniently isolated in the form of its hexa-acetate or hexabenzoate, by treatment with acetic anhydride or benzoyl chloride, respectively, in pyridine. The resulting compounds are valuable as synthetic intermediates and in conformational investigations.